Do Not Forget Them

Re-posted article. Taken from T. dela Torre FB post -


Do Not Forget Them

There are many people in need of help, but two particular groups you are likely unaware of is the sector of People with Disabilities (PWDs) and the Deaf community sector.

Barriers exist due to structures and systems that are not PWD and Deaf friendly. These prevent them from having freedom in mobility to meet their needs. There are barriers to information where they miss out critical directions for support and advice for life improvement due to miscommunication and late arrival of information. In addition, due to lack of information and misinformation about their uniqueness and needs, other people easily take them for granted and misjudge their needs as asking for "special favors" but is actually a "bridging" effort to overcome barriers.

At this particular time, the PWDs and Deaf people are again in isolation. There are many relief operations going on for majority of the victims of the devastated areas, but they are unable to receive much needed support. Basic needs for food and clothes do not reach them as quickly as it would reach others who are able to move quickly or able to get hold of information in time. Can we be the bridge by helping them at this most critical time?

At present, the Philippine Council of Cheshire Homes for the Disabled (PHILCOCED) is working with other organizations for PWDs and the Deaf community in doing a scan of the affected areas, locating the victims and documenting their situation. Designated areas are now identified for the affected sector of different areas to go to for their relief goods or they are personally brought to the organizations where there are many affected members such as Tahanang Walang Hagdanan and the Karangalan Village with Blind people . PHILCOCED is now the collection center that makes sure all areas are covered.

And so, may I ask your help to extend to this group all the help you are also giving to others. If you are involved with organizations responsible for collection and distribution, please include PHILCOCED as one of your beneficiaries.

Individuals and groups who are looking for ways to help and have the network of friends and associates who may be able to send help, please contact:

PHILCOCED - Philippine Council of Cheshire Homes for the Disabl...ed - #8 St. Michael St., New York Ext, Cubao, QC (Bahay Biyaya, front of Immaculate Conception)
Tel 721-39-20 >> They have a distribution system.

De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde accept donations for PWDs and the Deaf Community. DLS-CSB, Taft Ave Manila CP 0917 500 8836 / 4005406

Needs: medicine, water, food, toiletries, banig, blankets, large water containers, rice, water, cleaning implements. For additional needs, please check attached file

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUtJoE5b36DiZHc2NXZra180MGR0Mzk4Ymdo&hl=en